Chad: non-aggression agreement signed to ease situation in Abéché

With our correspondent in Ndjamena, Aurélie Bazzara-Kibangula

"Extinguish the fire before it spreads". That is how a security source describes this non-aggression agreement, signed by more than one hundred traditional chiefs.

In ten points, the commitment emphasizes the prohibition on carrying weapons. An essential measure for the authorities, who indicate that civilians were seen with weapons during the demonstrations. Another point of the agreement aims to prevent any statements inciting hatred.

This agreement serves as a basis to restore calm in the province following the repression of demonstrations against the enthronement of the chief of canton of Bani Halba in the eastern part of the country. Violently repressed, at least 21 people have died, according to human rights organizations. The authorities, for their part, speak of 14 deaths.

A "disproportionate use of force"

But many questions remain unanswered, such as the use of live ammunition to disperse demonstrators. On this point, a government source admits that a "disproportionate use of force was made", while emphasizing that the "situation was close to insurrection".

Finally, the question of the governor's responsibility is far from resolved. Demonstrators are calling for his resignation. In a confidential note, the ministerial delegation requested his recall to Ndjamena to ease the situation.

An investigation by the judicial police is also underway, according to government spokesman Abderaman Koulamallah. It should provide answers to all these questions in the coming days.